Limits on rent increases have again been triggered in Siskiyou County after Gov. Newsom this week declared a state of emergency to help address the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary.

The Sept. 12 proclamation follows an emergency proclamation there on Aug. 28 related to the Happy Camp Complex Fires.

This rural county adjacent to the Oregon border has been grappling with flash-flooding, mudslides, landslides and debris flows caused by the storm. As with the earlier emergency, today’s declaration invoked the state’s anti-price gouging law under Penal Code section 396. The protections against price gouging expire Oct. 12, 2023, unless extended.

The law, triggered automatically by any state of emergency proclamation, prohibits price increases on many consumer goods and services, including that of rental housing, by more than 10% above pre-emergency levels. The restrictions apply to both existing tenants and to increases at unit turnover.

Violations of this law can lead to a year in county jail, fines up to $10,000, or both. Civil penalties may also apply, and local ordinances could impose further penalties.

As a reminder, CAA does not currently track emergency declarations issued by local officials. These declarations also trigger the price-gouging limitations of Penal Code Section 396. To learn about any local declarations, it is best to check with the applicable local authorities.